8 Jobs That Will Put You Through College

Living on your own can be expensive. Include tuition and textbooks in the mix, and without some planning and cash flow you’ll be in the hole fast. As a freshman, here are eight jobs available in nearly every college town for you to consider:

Whistle Blower: Be a Referee

From intramural games and weekend tournaments to elementary-aged soccer, basketball and volleyball clubs, there are plenty of opportunities for college students to make money as a referee. If you have a basic knowledge of a sport, apply for a part-time position as a whistle blower. Games are generally scheduled on school nights and weekends, and you’re body will appreciate the extra exercise. You can search via a browser, “how to be a referee.” By adding the state or region, you will narrow down options.

Tutor Someone

If you excel at English or have mastered math, earn a few bucks each week by tutoring your classmates. If you don’t feel confident enough to offer your tutoring services to other college students, you can still find work as a tutor for younger students. Visit nearby elementary and high schools to offer your services or post fliers.

Remember Retail

Working in retail at a department store doesn’t always mean you’ll be bored manning the cash register. If you are interested in the outdoors, apply for a position at a sport’s store. You’ll be surrounded by sporting goods and know all about the latest camping gear. Plus, as an employee you’ll know about upcoming sales, trends and maybe even have an employee discount. You can apply online at job-applications.com for positions at Lowe’s, Target, Sears, Ross and more.

Help Someone (And Get Free Rent)

If balancing a rigid work schedule, studying and going to class doesn’t seem like fun, consider this. Often young people can get free room and board from an elderly couple in exchange for helping around the house and yard. You might be in charge of mowing the lawn, hauling in the groceries or walking the dog. Other times, the couple/person may need someone to keep an eye on an ailing relative or even prepare meals for the afflicted. Check your local Craigslist.org or college housing board.

There’s Always Fast Food

Don’t eliminate the possibility of working at a fast food joint. You may learn a thing or two while you’re there. No, I don’t mean how to flip a burger. You’ll benefit from exposure to how a business works, gain valuable customer service experience and learn about nutrition (or lack thereof). The regular paychecks won’t hurt, either. Either pickup an application at the location or look at the restaurant’s website for how to apply.

Donating Plasma = Gas Money

Plasma is the liquid part of blood that is made up mainly of water and proteins, and you can donate it for money. Used to help hemophiliacs, burn victims and other ailments, plasma is extracted from your blood in a process that can take up to two hours. Plasma centers pay you for your time and your plasma. Typically you can earn $20-$30 per donation, and can donate once or twice a week, according to The Pacific Northwest Inlander. Go to DonatingPlasma.org to find a donation center near you.

Be a Nanny

While some nanny jobs simply entail a family who wants part-time help, others are much more detailed. When applying through a nanny database, you have the option to choose from temporary or full-time positions, out of state (or out of country) households and other determining factors, such as if you are willing to cook meals or clean up around the house. Nanny jobs often pay well and one summer may earn you enough money to live off for a whole semester. Go to sites like eNannySource.com and Nannies4Hire.com to learn how to be a nanny and apply to be a nanny.

Article by Stephanie Cole.Stephanie is a freelance writer from North Carolina.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 8th, 2013 at 10:23 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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